Wearing Your Compression Garment after Surgery

All surgical treatments require a healing period, and plastic surgery is no exception. Although part of the healing process involves minimizing the risk of complications, cosmetic surgery also requires the body to adapt to its new changes, wherever they may be. For many of the procedures offered at our Manhattan practice, the use of a compression garment can facilitate all aspects of a patient’s recovery. If you are instructed to wear such a garment following surgery, please consider the following reasons why it is so important to your recovery.

Why Wear a Compression Garment?

After undergoing plastic surgery, it is very likely you will be instructed to wear an elastic compression garment for a period of time. Depending on your treatment, this length of time may be anywhere from a couple of weeks to months. The purpose of the garment is to promote healing, hasten recovery, and enhance the overall results of your procedure. Plastic surgeons agree that patients who wear their compression garments for the full recommended duration tend to be happier with their results and experience a lower risk of post-surgical complications.

The Benefits of Compression Garments

The medical benefits of a compression garment are vast. From short-term healing to long-term effects on your body, the decision to wear your garment is one of the most important factors in your recovery. Primary benefits include:

Reduced fluid build-up: One risk posed by plastic surgeries is the accumulation of fluid between tissues, called lymphedema. A compression garment will promote consistency in the tissue and steady fluid passage.

Proper skin adhesion: Some surgeries may pose a risk of skin healing unevenly, particularly when a large amount has been removed or repositioned. Compression garments will help the skin heal and adjust naturally over a newly contoured area.

Increased circulation: Compression garments allow blood and plasma to circulate more evenly, reducing the risk of seromas or hematomas.

Lasting contours: After body contouring procedures, the garment will hold subcutaneous fat in place as scar tissue forms over it, providing more accurate results after recovery.

Reduced side effects: Most notably, swelling can be reduced in severity and duration through a compression garment. Some patients also experienced reduced bruising and pain.

Reduced risk of infection: By holding bandages in place and keeping the wound sterile in the early stages of recovery, infection is unlikely with the use of a compression garment.

When Is a Compression Garment Necessary?

Compression garments are most often associated with body contouring procedures, such as a liposuction, tummy tuck, or body lift. When fat is removed or redistributed, it is especially important to keep the area compressed while it heals properly into the desired contours. However, these are not the only treatments that are enhanced by the above benefits. Breast procedures, face lifts, and cellulite treatment may require use of a compression garment afterward.

The most important factor in your recovery is always to follow your doctor’s instructions. Any medications, bandages, diets, or similar stipulations should be followed precisely for the sake of your health and body.

Consult Dr. Greenberg

Before going in for your procedure, make sure you have accurate expectations for your recovery by speaking with Dr. Greenberg. To discuss an upcoming surgery or schedule an initial consultation for potential treatment, contact our Manhattan or Long Island office today.

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Medical Micropigmentation, or permanent makeup, utilizes tattoos to produce designs that strikingly resemble manually applied makeup! Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery recommends Sharon Grasso, who is a licensed medical micropigmentation artist as well as a licensed aesthetician and member of The American Academy of Micropigmentation.
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